McQueen motorcycle mania strikes again

This time it’s at the inaugural Bonhams sale at the Barber museum in Alabama

Bonhams inaugural collector vehicle auction at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, posted nearly $1.5 million in sales Saturday and was led — no surprise — by items formerly owned by Steve McQueen.

McQueen’s helmet

The 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross that McQueen rode in the film, On Any Sunday, sold for $230,500. Another ex-McQueen bike, a 1953 Vincent 498cc Comet Series-C, went for $63,250. The actor’s 1970 Bell motorcycle helmet brought $21,875.

Other highlights according to Bonhams’ news release included a 1928 Windhoff Four that sold for a record $230,500, sharing first place overall with the ex-McQueen Husqvarna; a 1974 Ducati 750 SS that went for $137,000; a 1936 Brought Superior SS80 that sold for $115,000; and a 1989 Honda RC30 that went to a new owner for $27,025.

“This is the first of our annual sales in association with the Barber Motorsports Museum,” said Malcolm Barber, Bonhams co-chairman. “The collaboration between our team and the museum at this amazing venue proved the perfect synergy for an international sale of collectors motorcycles alongside this established weekend event.”

“We’re very pleased with the turnout and results of this first sale,” added Ben Walker, Bonhams international director of motorcycles. “The Barber Motorsports Museum is one of the most prestigious institutions of its kind and it’s been a real pleasure to partner with them.”

1928 Windhoff 748cc Four

Top 10 sales, Bonhams at Barber museum 2018

1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross ex-Steve McQueen, $230,500

1928 Windhoff 748cc Four, $230,500

1974 Ducati 750 SS, $137,000

1936 Brough Superior 982cc SS80, $115,000

1953 Vincent 498cc Comet Series-C ex-Steve McQueen, $63,250

1985 Ducati-NCR 850 2-valve Pro Twins (Bears Road Racing), $46,000

1956 BSA Gold Star-powered flat tracker, $40,250

1969 Honda CB750 ‘Sand-Cast,’ $36,800

1946 Indian Chief, $28,875

1950 Ariel Square Four Mk 1 with Steib S500 sidecar, $28,750

(Prices include buyer’s fee.)

Bonhams next sale is scheduled for Monday at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.